House of the Dragon has continued on the hype and popularity of Game of Thrones, with the HBO show flourishing thanks to its intense politicking and high-level battles. House of the Dragon has a wide variety of characters that bring plenty to the show. Compelling individuals like Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen resonate even in a fantasy setting.
House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones were both birthed from the mind of George R. R. Martin, who conceptualized a fantasy world full of scheming, mystery, and conflict. Shows like House of the Dragon have few contemporaries due to the television industry's lack of scale and budget. However, movies are often capable of depicting fantasy worlds. Many, including the following films, have pulled off the grandeur associated with House of the Dragon.
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7 Dragonslayer (1981)
A Wizard's Apprentice Must Save A Kingdom From A Dragon
Director | Matthew Robbins |
|---|---|
Genre(s) | Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure |
Where to Watch | Amazon Prime Video |
Dragonslayer is a Disney movie that uses dark fantasy elements, such as graphic content, nudity, and adult themes. The film follows a medieval kingdom that falls victim to a dragon. As a result, the kingdom's women are given up as a tribute to stop the dragon from demolishing their surroundings.
A young apprentice named Galen is tasked with vanquishing the dragon after his master, wizard Ulrich, seemingly dies. This leads Galen on an adventure filled with corruption, royalty, and danger. In a world filled with mystery, politicking, and various fantasy elements, Dragonslayer is a film ahead of its time that pioneered the genre.
6 Ran (1985)
A Japanese Family Squabble For Succession In This War Epic
Director | Akira Kurosawa |
|---|---|
Genre(s) | War, Epic, Action, Medieval |
Where to Watch | Apple TV |
Led by visionary director Akira Kurosawa, Ran is a jaw-dropping war film set in medieval Japan, with samurai warriors at its epicenter. Ran is a reinvention of William Shakespeare's King Lear, following a warlord who passes on his power to his three sons.
The three sons' newfound power corrupts them, leading to conflict and warfare. With the conflict between his sons, warlord Hidetora Ichimonji is forced to come out of retirement to deal with the mess while he continues to descend into madness. Ran's themes of political upheaval and betrayal make the film an enticing watch. Fans of House of the Dragon will appreciate the action of medieval warfare, which is of major significance in the film.
5 Reign of Fire (2002)
Dragons Awaken, Seeking To Destroy Everything In Their Path
Director | Rob Bowman |
|---|---|
Genre(s) | Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic |
Where to Watch | Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video |
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Reign of Fire sees dragons awaken as they begin to dominate Earth. However, a group of humans, starring Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, seek to halt their dominance despite the dangers. In this human-versus-dragon fantasy story, humans must fight to reclaim their planet, while dragon dominance threatens humanity's existence.
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When a group of US military and survivors in England come together to eliminate the threat, warfare erupts between humans and dragons in London. The film showcases dragons as almighty creatures, making it perfect for Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon fans.
4 Excalibur (1981)
A Classic Tale From Arthurian Legend
Director | John Boorman |
|---|---|
Genre(s) | Fantasy, Medieval |
Where to Watch | Apple TV |
Excalibur is a fantasy film that follows the classic legend of the life of King Arthur. Deemed the chosen one, Arthur becomes king after taking the mystical sword from stone. With the help of the wizard Merlin, Arthur brings together the nation as all senior parties unite through the Knights of the Round Table. Despite this, evil lurks around the corner in the form of Arthur's half-sister, Morgana, who aims to cause chaos no matter the cost.
Excalibur is a quintessential fantasy title that helped elevate the genre and its stars, including Helen Mirren, Liam Neeson, and Patrick Stewart. Set in a medieval world filled with knights, swords, and wizards, fans of Martin's works and adaptations will find a lot to love.
3 The Last Duel (2021)
A Nobleman Seeks Revenge To Defend His Wife's Honor
Director | Ridley Scott |
|---|---|
Genre(s) | Historical, Medieval, Epic, Drama |
Where to Watch | Disney Plus |
The Last Duel is a medieval story that takes place in France. Two best friends, Sir Jean de Carrouges and Jacques le Gris, fall out with each other when Jean's wife Marguerite accuses Jacques of assault. The accusation leads to a major dispute, resulting in the two former friends engaging in a duel that will bring about honor and justice for the victor.
Based loosely on a true story in medieval France, The Last Duel is a tension-filled epic. Stars Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck to deliver compelling performances. It may lack fantasy elements, but its medieval setting and interpersonal themes are perfect for House of the Dragon fans.
2 The Hobbit (2012-2014)
Bilbo Baggins' Adventures in Middle-Earth
Director | Peter Jackson |
|---|---|
Genre(s) | Fantasy, Adventure |
Where to Watch | Max, Amazon Prime Video |
After the success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson returned over a decade later with the release of The Hobbit trilogy. All three films perfectly encapsulate the fantasy genre. Filled with fun and adventure, The Hobbit sees Bilbo Baggins, an introverted hobbit, go on a journey alongside Gandalf and a group of dwarves as the party heads to save the dwarves' home.
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Throughout The Hobbit, Bilbo gradually emerges from his shell as he and his comrades undergo many trials and tribulations, such as warfare and conflict. Despite this, Bilbo's party perseveres no matter the obstacles they face.
1 The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
An Epic Adventure and a Fantasy Classic
Director | Peter Jackson |
|---|---|
Genre(s) | Fantasy, Adventure |
Where to Watch | Max |
Fantasy's boom in pop culture came with the release of The Lord of the Rings, a trilogy based on J.R. R. Tolkien's books that followed Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship as they sought to destroy Sauron's ring. Frodo and the Fellowship, which features Samwise Gamgee, Gandalf, and Aragon, to name a few, partake in a long trek that sees them battle orcs and otherworldly creatures as they seek to unite the realm while destroying the ring at Mount Doom.
With Peter Jackson's unique vision, The Lord of the Rings transcended film and fantasy, with the trilogy having the perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and action, making the films fantasy masterpieces. There would be no Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon without The Lord of the Rings, and all fantasy fans should check it out at least once.
House of the Dragon
- Release Date
- August 21, 2022
- Main Genre
- Fantasy
- Story By
- George R. R. Martin
- Number of Episodes
- 10
